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Italian designers Ludovica and Roberto Palomba have designed the new Palomba Collection for Laufen, which is being showcased at Cersaie 2012.

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The Palomba collection features soft lines and combines both geometric and organic shapes. It is composed of a bathtub, eight washbasins and a series of accessories in ceramics. The free-standing washbasin Menhir suggests sensual lines while the shape of the inside of both the washbasin and bathtub evoke forms found in nature, like tide pools, or the water that collects in the smooth cavities of coastal rocks.

“Menhir” means “tall stone” in Breton. It is designed as a floorstanding ceramic washbasin available in a freestanding or wall-hung version. Its smooth contours evoke memories of a rock formed and polished by the tide, with the bowl organically morphing into the washbasin surface. Ludovica and Roberto Palomba describe this effect as a “fingerprint of nature”.

The new bathtub features dynamic asymmetrical geometries and high back which lend resemblance to a natural water basin washed out of the rocks over the millennia. With the back ergonomically sloped for beneficial support, the natural lines moulded to the contours of the body are designed to ensure maximum bathing comfort. The tub also offers optional light and air massage functions.

The two new asymmetrical washbasin bowls in the Palomba Collection 2012 are also organic by nature. The 520 x 380 mm bowl is suitable for freestanding faucets and wall outlets as it has no faucet ledge of its own, while the 600 x 400 mm bowl has a faucet ledge. Laufen has also added four countertop washbasins in 500, 650, 800 and 1000 mm lengths matching those introduced in the previous collection editions with organically shaped bowls that blend softly into an ultra-flat 16 mm washbasin panel. The position of the bowl leaves ample storage space at either side.

Laufen has also introduced new delicate bathroom furniture to the Palomba Collection. Vanity units are optionally available with atmospheric illumination. One tall and one medium cabinet, and two console tops are included in the collection. The furniture is available in white, Putty grey, light wild pear and dark Vermont cherry.

Laufen has added mix and match furniture modules to the furniture programme which can be stacked or lined up in a row. The modules are designed either as cubes or cuboids, and look light and elegant. With a standard 275 mm grid pattern, they can also be combined with the medium and tall cabinets in the furniture range. Open at the front, the modules come in white, Putty grey, red cranberry and blue aqua. The rear walls are additionally available in orange, red, light wild pear, dark Vermont cherry or in a mirror version.

Cersaie 2012 is being held from 25-29 September in Bologna, Italy.